There are two main categories of batteries: single-use batteries which are batteries that can only hold one charge before they are useless, and rechargeable batteries which can be charged again and again. Rechargeable batteries are becoming much more common as cellphones, laptops, tablets, and cordless tools become more popular.

Disposal options vary by battery type, so let's break them down.

Single-Use Batteries

ALKALINE, Single-Use

Alkaline batteries, originally developed in the ’60s, no longer contain the high levels of mercury they once did. The Illinois EPA and all states except California agree that alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of in the trash.

Commonly identified as: alkaline, zero mercury, or 0%Hg

Disposal: Alkaline batteries are the only batteries that can safely be placed in the trash cart. No batteries of any kind should be placed in City recycling carts.

Coin batteries for watches are often lithium. More recently, lithium batteries have been showing up in standard size A-AAA, C, D, and 9V sizes as well. Because they can hold a charge longer than alkaline batteries and pack a lot of power into a small size, single-use lithium are a favorite for cameras and game controllers too.

Commonly identified as: lithium, Li, primary lithium, lithium metal

Disposal: Lithium batteries cannot be disposed of in City recycling or garbage carts because they can combust just like rechargeable batteries can. Check the chart below for disposal options.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries come in all shapes and sizes and can be designed to be removable or built-in. Rechargeable batteries are also sold in standard sizes as a less wasteful replacement to single-use batteries.

THE GOOD:

Improvements in battery manufacturing have made rechargeable less expensive, more powerful and dependable than they were a decade ago. Rechargeable batteries are generally smaller than single-use ones and produce less waste because they can be used again and again. Some types of rechargeable batteries can be recharged up to 1000 times.

If you haven’t considered replacing your single-use batteries with rechargeable ones, now’s a good time to give it a go. Though they cost 2 - 3 times more initially, they can save a good deal of money and waste in the long run.

THE BAD:

One tradeoff for the extra power and convenience of rechargeable batteries is that they can explode or spark fires if not disposed of properly.

Rechargeable batteries are responsible for starting fires in collection trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. Unlike single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries can spark even after they’re drained of power so they pose a real hazard. They can also combust if crushed, dropped, or overheated. Rechargeable battery recycling programs ensure safe disposal and the recovery of precious, limited-supply heavy metals like cobalt, which is reused to make new batteries and electronics.

Disposal: All rechargeable batteries, including auto batteries and devices with built-in rechargeable batteries, can be dropped off at the City of Chicago’s Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF) for recycling. The HCCRF accepts all batteries except single-use alkaline batteries.

Most national electronic retailers provide battery recycling programs for removable rechargeable batteries, see chart below. Do not place rechargeable batteries in City recycling or garbage carts.

Prepping Batteries for Storage and Transport

Remove batteries that are designed to be removed because you'll have more disposal options. Never attempt to remove built-in batteries because they can explode.

Safety first! For storage and transportation, place tape over the battery contacts or place them into individual plastic bags. Exposed battery contacts can spark and cause fires.

Battery & Cordless Gadget Recycling

Select item

Alkaline, Single-Use (1)

Disposal options

Garbage

Notes

Alkaline (single-use) batteries are the only batteries that can be safely disposed of in the trash.

Auto & Boat Batteries (1)

Note

Don't leave money on the table. Take auto and boat batteries (and your receipt) back to the place where you bought them to collect your 'core' deposit. Core deposits start at $10 and can be much higher.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

limits

details

Trade-In Programs

Trade in cell phones, tablets, game consoles, wearables, voice speakers and more and get a Target Gift Card in return. Visit the link below to estimate the trade-in value of your gear, and get a pre-paid shipping label. Trade-ins are not accepted in local stores.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

limits

details

Trade-In Programs

Trade in cell phones, tablets, game consoles, wearables, voice speakers and more and get a Target Gift Card in return. Visit the link below to estimate the trade-in value of your gear, and get a pre-paid shipping label. Trade-ins are not accepted in local stores.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

limits

details

Trade-In Programs

Trade in cell phones, tablets, game consoles, wearables, voice speakers and more and get a Target Gift Card in return. Visit the link below to estimate the trade-in value of your gear, and get a pre-paid shipping label. Trade-ins are not accepted in local stores.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.

limits

details

Trade-In Programs

Trade in cell phones, tablets, game consoles, wearables, voice speakers and more and get a Target Gift Card in return. Visit the link below to estimate the trade-in value of your gear, and get a pre-paid shipping label. Trade-ins are not accepted in local stores.

limits

details

Trade-In Programs

Trade in cell phones, tablets, game consoles, wearables, voice speakers and more and get a Target Gift Card in return. Visit the link below to estimate the trade-in value of your gear, and get a pre-paid shipping label. Trade-ins are not accepted in local stores.

limits

details

Trade-In Programs

Trade in cell phones, tablets, game consoles, wearables, voice speakers and more and get a Target Gift Card in return. Visit the link below to estimate the trade-in value of your gear, and get a pre-paid shipping label. Trade-ins are not accepted in local stores.

Limits

Details

Trade-In Programs

Various cell phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and even DSLR cameras can be traded in with Best Buy to earn credit or discounts towards new equipment. Trading, selling, or donating goods provides much greater environmental benefits than recycling. Better for the planet, and better for your wallet.